Known brand names include Epipen, Adrenalin, Auvi-Q, and Symjepi.
The emergency treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. It is injected into the outer thigh with an auto-injector such as EpiPen, and in the hospital an IV drip raises blood pressure in septic shock. It acts within minutes but wears off quickly, so emergency care is still needed.
High-alert medication (IV, subcutaneous only). Epinephrine given IV (as an adrenergic agonist) or subcutaneously is on the ISMP acute care high-alert list. IM auto-injector use is not named.
The labels do not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
No specific antidote; it is rapidly inactivated, so care is supportive. Severe hypertension or pulmonary edema: a fast-acting vasodilator or alpha blocker such as phentolamine, plus respiratory support. Arrhythmias: a beta blocker such as propranolol. Extravasation ischemia: infiltrate the area with phentolamine diluted in saline.
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
No labeled dose change. Epinephrine constricts renal blood vessels and may cause oliguria or renal impairment.
Sources: [1]
A nonselective alpha and beta adrenergic agonist. Alpha effects reverse anaphylactic vasodilation and capillary leak; beta effects relax bronchial smooth muscle and relieve bronchospasm, and it also eases urticaria and angioedema. Blood pressure rises through stronger ventricular contraction, faster heart rate, and peripheral vasoconstriction. Given IM or subcutaneously, onset is rapid and action is short.